Managing Homeschooling, Through 18 months of Illness.

Managing Homeschooling, Through 18 Months of Illness. 

Health Deterioration.

When I became ill, in August 2021, the doctors and I presumed it was Malaria or Covid 19. However, no medical treatment seemed to help me…as I continued managing homeschooling through 18 months of illness, without my health  improving.

Eventually, we presumed that I was suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, as I battled on through each day. 

I was very frustrated, but I persevered until, one day in October 2022, I collapsed completely, ending up in hospital, for a battery of tests. Finally, after more than a year of illness, where no medication, rest, etc., had helped me, – I was sent for an MRI scan, of my neck and back. 

MRI Scan.

The scan revealed enormous pressure on my spinal cord, from vertebral spurs and damaged discs. This situation was due to various riding and other accidents I had suffered, many years ago, which had never been treated correctly. 

Just another fall would have left me paralysed!  Such a scary thought… However, God showed up, just in time, by pointing me in the direction of a highly qualified neurosurgeon, Dr Nozipo Maraire.

Spinal Surgery.

When I was admitted for lengthly surgery, I hadn’t driven a vehicle for 6 weeks and was pretty much bedridden…

Off to surgery I went, to have bone spurs removed and discs replaced… The surgery was tough and the recovery even tougher! However, just knowing that I was on the way to recovery kept me focused, as I started to feel better.

Thank you Dr Nzipo Maraire and her amazing profession team we are so blessed to have you here in Zimbabwe.

Children had to Cope.

It has been a very hard year for us all, with the children, aged 10 and 12, having to step up and take on most of my responsibilities. 

They both managed to complete their homeschooling, with little supervision, even though it took them a bit longer than usual, to complete all their tasks.

Increased Responsibility.

What impressed me most was how Paula Joy and Murray John both took on total  responsibility for their ponies. They managed to get them schooled, fit, and ready for this year’s polo and horse shows. 

Impressively, they can now pack the lorry for horsey events, along with organising weekend food for themselves and their grooms. 

Whilst they have missed having riding lessons from me, they have grown in their horsemanship skills, by having to find a way to do it all on their own. 

Missed Opportunities and Goal Adjustments.

Whilst Mum was down, it took huge effort, from the rest of the family, to just keep the home going, whilst maintaining school focus and goal achievement.

Over the past year we have had to adjust school goals, cancel holidays and miss many opportunities, but we have all come out stronger, wiser and closer as a family. 

My personal goals had to be sidelined…  However, as long as the children achieved their goals, that’s all that really mattered, as holidays and opportunities  can always be arranged in the future, along with my own goals. 

Increased Independence.

This year, the children managed to reach their homeschooling and sporting goals, which was an amazing achievement. They have also learnt some crisis management skills! 

The highlight was when Paula Joy, aged 12, made the Zimbabwe U19 Woman’s Cricket Team.

I am very proud of both of them, as living with a sick mother has not been easy. Some how, they both seem to have continued to thrive, despite my situation. Plus, they have not complained, nor given up, which is great to see. 

Both children have become more independent, emotionally stronger, and mature. They were continually giving me encouragement to ‘keep fighting’, which truly spurred me on, especially in my weakest moments. 

The Hardest Year for Me. 

The last year has certainly been the hardest year of my life, as I have had to dig deep, keep calm and stay focused on each day, whilst continually having to pace myself. 

Douglas has also had to pick up a huge amount of extra responsibility. All this, on top of the stress of managing his very demanding job. 

Our family motto: ‘The family is the team and the team is the family,’ has really had to be put to the test – and lived out. 

Light at the End of the Tunnel.

At last, by Christmas I was beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel…

Rest in the Lord.

I have basically floated through the past 18 months, operating at 30% or less. It has been my faith and family that has kept me going, as there were many days when I just wanted to give up. 

Concentrating on one day at a time, became my goal, plus leaving the rest to God. He is so much bigger and stronger than we can ever imagine and He always urges us to let Him take the lead. 

Drawing Closer to God. 

The freedom of being healthy is something I have missed terribly!  I will get strong again and I now know that it takes time, patience and lots of rest. 

I have used this forced ‘down time’ to be grateful for every day and to spend more time praying and reading the Word of God. He has held me in the palm of His hand and I have learned to rest in Him. 

Walking with God, with Gratitude.

My goal has always been to enable and prepare our children for life. This past year has just been just one big lesson along life’s bumpy road.

Health is very important, but walking with God is what really counts in life. Thank you Lord, for loving us through the past 18 months.

A huge thank you to Douglas, Paula Joy, Murray John, and everyone else, whose prayers have got me to where I am today. 

May 2023 be the year I regain my health, get myself fit, and reach my goals and dreams.  God bless us all…

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” Ecclesiastics 3 vs 1.

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